Oversight

Play of the Day: Recounting Scott Pruitt's Recent Scandals

The EPA chief bought some pens, angled for a used mattress and even abused his White House mess privileges.

Route Fifty

Ranking the ‘Worst Connected’ Cities in the U.S.

This National Digital Inclusion Alliance report isn’t something the local Chamber of Commerce is likely going to put in promotional materials.

Pay & Benefits

Major Changes to Federal Separation Pay and Hiring Tucked Into Senate Defense Bill

Measure would dramatically expand direct hire authority and give employees better incentives to leave federal service.

Route Fifty

Worries Over Cyanotoxins in Tap Water of Oregon's Capital City

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Dallas looks to reform “generous” bulk trash rules … Tenn. vice mayor charged in food stamp conspiracy … and a Maine town warns of caterpillar hazard.

Nextgov

Bill Would Prevent States from Messing with Encryption

The bill comes amid an encryption debate that pits national security against cybersecurity.

Pay & Benefits

Avoiding Tax Pitfalls

Be prepared so you don’t have an unwelcome surprise when you retire.

Route Fifty

Federal Housing and Transportation Spending Bill Moves to Senate

Programs key to local and state government would largely see either steady funding or spending increases.

Management

Appointee Watch: A Wave of State, Defense Nominations

Senate cancels August recess, blaming Democratic intransigence in confirmation process.

Route Fifty

Stress Testing Can Help Troubled State Public Pension Funds

A new analysis shows benefits of considering a range of factors and scenarios.

Nextgov

DOD Must Comply with DHS Cybersecurity Directives Under Senate Bill

Homeland Security has issued numerous binding cybersecurity directives recently, including banning Kaspersky anti-virus and mandating email security.

News

It’s Hard to Kill an Agency, But Renaming One Is a Different Matter

The Trump administration reportedly wants to change the name of the Health and Human Services Department. There’s precedent for that. Take our quiz and test your knowledge.

Management

Firefighters Can Teach Us How To Make Good Decisions Under Pressure

When you experience stressful events, whether personal (waiting for a medical diagnosis) or public (political turmoil), a physiological change is triggered that can cause you to take in any sort of warning and become fixated on what might go wrong.

Route Fifty

Federal Immigration Reform Could Boost Boston’s Economy

The city faces a potential labor shortage in key industries it’s typically filled with immigrants.

Route Fifty

Missouri Audit Flags Suspicious SNAP Benefit Use by Deceased, Out-of-State Recipients

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | San Francisco’s unresolved mayoral race … N.C. governor vetoes budget plan … and a mysterious Indiana jailhouse substance.